Prop Rodney ”Rodzilla” Blake returns from an ankle injury for his third Test in the only Australian change announced on Wednesday to its team for the Tri-Nations rugby match against New Zealand.
Blake, who will make his hometown debut at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, replaces Guy Shepherdson. Blake missed Australia’s 49-0 victory over South Africa 10 days ago.
Wallabies coach John Connolly named a nine-man bench to be reduced to seven after the team’s final training run on Friday.
Australia, which lost its Tri-Nations opener to New Zealand 32-12, must win Saturday’s Test to force a Bledisloe Cup decider in Auckland next month.
Wallabies captain George Gregan will reach another career milestone, equalling John Eales’ record of 55 Tests as Wallabies captain in his 124th Test outing.
”We were happy with the way we played against South Africa but it’s important that we continue to improve and New Zealand pose a very big challenge for us,” Connolly said.
”They have incredible depth and had a convincing win over us in Christchurch followed by another impressive performance against South Africa. There’s no doubt they are the benchmark in world rugby at the present time.”
On Tuesday, the All Blacks restored their strongest combination. Coach Graham Henry announced seven changes that beat South Africa 35-17 in Wellington last weekend.
Rico Gear and Joe Rokocoko return on the wings in place of Doug Howlett and Scott Hamilton, Aaron Mauger starts at inside centre, replacing Sam Tuitupou, and Byron Kelleher replaces Piri Weepu at scrumhalf.
In the forwards, Ali Williams wins his second straight start at lock and his 33rd Test, displacing Jason Eaton from the side that beat Australia 32-12 in the first match of the series two weeks ago.
The All Blacks are looking to win their sixth match of 2006 and 13th in a row. The Wallabies have not lost at Brisbane in seven consecutive Tests since 2003. – Sapa-AP